Philadelphia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- For many families , a night at the ballpark is a treat . But it can be a nightmare for those with autistic children .

Autism causes a greater sensitivity to environmental stimulation . So the lights , music and roar of the crowd can trigger a severe meltdown that is difficult to anticipate and control .

`` They 're frustrated and they 're scared and they 're just overwhelmed , '' said Debra Forman , whose 8-year-old son , Adam , has autism . `` You have to ask yourself if it 's worth it . ''

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that 1 in 68 children in the United States are on the autism spectrum . For many of these families , fear of how their child will react to new situations -- and how others will react to them -- keeps them from gaining everyday experiences others get to have .

`` It is tough to go out into public , '' said Shannan Maxwell , mother of Steven , 6 . `` When he 's having a meltdown on the floor and the whole entire store 's looking at you like you 're a bad mom , you just want to go and crawl under a rock . ''

Dr. Wendy Ross was heartbroken to hear stories like this from families . The developmental pediatrician also knew that isolation did n't serve her patients well in the long run .

`` If kids are not in the community , building their skills from very young ages , then there 's no reason to expect them to be independent one day , '' Ross said . `` It 's a social disability . It needs to be addressed in a social setting . ''

So in 2007 , Ross set out to do just that . Today , her nonprofit , Autism Inclusion Resources , helps families affected by autism navigate challenging social situations , such as airport travel , sporting events and museum visits .

`` If you start taking steps outside of your door , your world gets bigger and bigger , '' said Ross , 43 . `` We just want people to have opportunities . ''

Take me out to the ball game

Many Major League Baseball teams hold annual `` autism awareness nights , '' when they take temporary measures such as lowering the volume on the public address system . But Ross wanted to do more .

`` You ca n't turn down the volume of the world , '' Ross said . `` It 's nice to do it for one night , but our goal is for families to be able to go to a game on any night . ''

To that end , Ross partnered with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2012 to develop an innovative program .

She armed all the Phillies game-day employees -- approximately 3,000 people -- with knowledge about autism and how to interact with individuals who have the disorder . Now , everyone from the ticket takers to the hot dog vendors at Citizens Bank Ballpark help create an atmosphere where families feel supported .

`` I do n't expect the staff to be experts , just to be aware of it and -LRB- be -RRB- understanding , '' Ross said . `` If families need a break , the staff know where to take -LRB- them -RRB- for a little sensory rest . ''

Ross also helps prepare the families for the event . They are given a booklet with pictures illustrating each step of the game , from arrival and getting a hot dog to the seventh inning stretch . Then she escorts families to their first game , with tickets donated by the Phillies .

Each family is also provided a clinician at the game who gives additional support if problems arise . For Forman , having the professional assistance was a huge relief .

`` When Adam was anxious or ready to leave , I had somebody to turn to , and she had some ideas , '' Forman said . `` Without her there , it would 've been a very tough game for me . ''

Ross hopes that this supported experience will give families the confidence to return on their own . She also believes that this dual approach -- working with the Phillies and the families -- just makes sense .

`` It 's not enough to work with a child with autism , because we need the community to accept them , '' she said . `` You would never show someone how to use a wheelchair and then not have a ramp . ''

Beyond the ballpark

Ross has also found her airport travel program to be successful for families . Using the same principles , she trains airline and security staff at major airports and then guides families through a simulated travel experience , including checking in , going through security and boarding a plane .

Since 2010 , more than 200 families have benefited from Ross ' initiatives .

Building on her success with the Phillies , she is now working with Philadelphia 's football and hockey teams . Soon she wants to partner with the city 's public transportation agency .

`` The hope for Philadelphia is to make it the most autism-friendly city in the country , '' she said . `` It will serve as a model of independence for other cities everywhere . ''

Ross also hopes that the tools she gives families can help them explore other settings on their own .

`` We really see it as a stepping stone to a brighter future , '' she said . `` I feel like it changes the trajectory of lives . ''

After their successful outing at the ballpark , Forman took Adam to a football game . She believes this is just the beginning of their family 's adventures .

`` Hopefully , there will be zoos in our future , and aquariums , '' Forman said . `` The world is our oyster . ''

Want to get involved ? Check out the Autism Inclusion Resources website at www.autismir.com and see

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Parents of children on the autism spectrum often skip social situations out of fear

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But Dr. Wendy Ross wants her young patients with autism to have those experiences

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Her nonprofit helps families navigate events like ball games , air travel and museum trips